Get Up, Stand Up - Sitting Too Much Can Make You Old

​​The bad news about sitting just keeps coming in.
 
We’ve been told in recent years that too much sitting can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and a bunch of other problems.
 
In one study, scientists looked at 1,500 older women to compare sedentary older adults with more active peers. They found that the more sedentary group had cells that were eight years older than the more active women.
 
“Cells age faster with a sedentary lifestyle,” said the University of California San Diego’s School of Medicine. “Chronological age doesn’t always match biological age.”
 
Since a more active body means a more active brain, sedentary older adults risk lower cognitive function, too.
 
The Cancer Society lists among the dangers of too much sitting: cancer; heart disease; stroke; lung disease; Parkinson’s; Alzheimer’s and more. Sitting too much can hurt you even if you exercise regularly, the organization says.
 
Break up an hour of sitting with just two minutes of standing or light activity to improve cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, the study says.
 
This is particularly important to older people, who spend more time sitting than they might have earlier in life.
 
So turn off the TV and the computer, stand and stretch, move around, go for a walk, or head to the Studio and join one of the classes.
 
At least do something like these recommendations from the Cancer Society:

• Stand and fold laundry while watching TV
• Exercise or stretch while watching TV
• Stand up and walk around during commercials
• Walk up the escalator or stairs instead of using the elevator

 
Step 1 is simple: Get up!

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